Automatic station selecting and tuning device for radio receivers



LOLLI ET AL 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 20, 1951 AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed Oct. 9, 1947 6 us rm G u: G :0 e o 20 c e O K. o o we m o March 20, 1951 ETAL 2,545,553

AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed Oct. 9, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 20, 1951 J ET A 2 545,553

LOLLI L 9 AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed Oct. 9, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Li /2% Lolio' e445 @g aazfo Qffavmegg March 20, 1951 J. LOLLI ETAL 2,545,553

AUTOMATIC sTATIoN SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS s Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 9, 1947 March 20, 1951 LOLLl ET AL J. AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed Oct. 9. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 20, 1951 J. LOLLI ET AL 2,545,553

- AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 9, 1947 March 20, 1951 J. LOLLI ET AL 2,545,553

AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed Oct. 9, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 20, 1951 J. LOLLl ETAL 2,545,553

AUTOMATIC STATION SELECTING AND TUNING DEVICE FOR RADIO RECEIVERS Filed 001;. 9. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 O o 0 0 C 0 00000 O o O O which a solenoid is energized and the station selector may be rotated step by step;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, with the parts shown in the closed circuit position;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary end elevational view showing the parts of the switch arms which ride upon the cam;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through an upper portion of the cabinet, showing the station selector and the bank of switches which actuates and controls the tuning of the receiver.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the subject-matter of Fig. 8, taken on the plane of the line 99 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view, taken on the same plane as Fig. 8, showing the structure of one of the switch actuating pins and its modeof support by the rotatable station selector;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the plane of the line of Fig. 10; V Fig. 12 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the switch actuating pin, showing the spring which holds the pin firmly in the station selector member;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view of one of the magnetic step-by-step actuating devices for the station selector member;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with the station selector member in section, taken on the plane of the line I l-I4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a developed view of the camming member, showing its relation to the pins carried by the station selector by means of which the station selector is moved step-by-step by the devices of Figs. 13 and 14;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary elevational view, showing a magnetic step-by-step actuating device for the station selector, employing a Geneva movement;

Fig. 1'7 is an enlarged fragmentary view, similar to Fig. 16, showing the Geneva movement employed;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary rear elevational view, showing the gear and Geneva movement of Fig. 16 on a larger scale;

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of another step-by-step mechanism, shown with parts of the cabinet broken away to disclose the details of the mechanism;

Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the plane of the line 2020 of Fig. 19, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to Fig. 1, indicates in its entirety the housing for the radio receiver and station selector and tuner. This housing is preferably molded out of a suitable molding material, such as a phenolic condensation compound or some suitable plastic.

The housing has a substantially rectangular portion 26, which is provided with a flat top 21, ends 28 and 29, and a fiat bottom 30 serving as a base. Merged with the, rectangular portion 26 of the housing there is a partially cylindrical forwardly projecting enlargement 3|, which projects above the rectangular housingportion 2S and extends forwardly of it and is provided with a circular window opening 32 for exposing a rotatable station selector member 33.

The enlargement 3| also has a lateral extension 34, which projects forwardly of the rectangular housing portion 26 and is provided with the forwardly extending sleeves 35 to 38 surrounding and housing the control knobs 39 to 42. These control knobs are for the purpose of effecting the controls indicated by the legends, as follows.

Control knob 39 is the manual control switch having an off position, a position for manual control of the receiver dial, and'a position for automatic control of the receiver dial.

The knob 40 connected to a rheostat for volume control is indicated by its legend. The knob 4| is connected to the adjustable condensers for adjustment of the tuning condensers. The knob 42 is for adjustment and setting of the clock, as indicated by its legend.

All of the knobs may be of similar construction, such as shown in Fig. 3, where the section is taken on the dial controlling knob 2|. This knob is preferably a molded insulating member made with a cylindrical hub 43, having a cylindrical socket 44 and set screw 45 for attachment to a shaft. The hub 43 supports an integral forwardl projecting half spherical member 46, which is hollow and provided with a forwardly projecting diametrical rib 61.

This leaves sufficient space for the operator to insert this thumb and forefinger, grasping the rib 41 for positive actuation of the knob.

, Another advantage of this type of knob is that its edge is flush with the ends of the sleeves on the cabinet, and these sleeves protect the knobs against shocks or blows so that there are no projecting knobs which are apt to be damaged during use or shipment.

The housing 25 is open at its rear end and may be closed by means of a back member 48 of the same molded insulating material and of the same shape as the rear opening in the housing, as shown in Fig. 2, and is secured by means of self-threading screws, which are threaded into inwardly projecting lugs 19 carried by the walls of the housing.

The lugs 49 are preferably continuous from the front to the back of the housing, and are located in the four corners thereof so that they may be molded on the inside of the housing and tapered to permit withdrawal of the core of the mold. All of the parts of the mechanism are preferably mounted upon a supporting bracket, indicated in its entirety in Fig. 2 by the number 59. This bracket may be substantially complementar in shape, but slightly smaller than the inside of the housing 25.

The bracket has a vertical flange or mounting panel 5|, which is received inside the housing in a vertical position, and which engages inwardly extending lugs 52 carried by the top and side walls, whereby screws may pass through the panel 5| into the lugs 52 to secure the mechanism and the housing together.

The vertical panel 5| of the bracket 50 is cut away or recessed wherever necessary, such as the points 53 (Fig. 2) to clear the lugs 49 which are carried by the inside of the housing for supporting the rear cover plate 48.

The vertical panel 5| of the bracket 58 is carried by a base plate 54, extending at right angles to the vertical panel 5| and adapted to rest upon the bottom wall so when the mechanism is inserted in the housing.

Base plate 54 also serves to support parts of the mechanism, such as the radio receiver chassis 55. The radio receiver may be of any suitable type; but to explain the invention, a type is shown which includes a audio frequency stage and a radio frequency stage.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the general parts of the mechanism will now be described; -In addition to the radio receiver chassis 55,, the bracket 55] supports the station selector member '33 on its vertical panel It also supports a step-bystep actuating mechanism 55 and the clock mechanism 57 (Fig. 3)-. It also supports an assembly oi trimmer condensers 58 (Fig. .2) and an assembly of control switches 59 (Fig. .2) and the speaker 60.

The speaker 60 may be of any desired type, and it is supported upon the vertical ,panel 5| by means of a plurality of screw bolts "61 arranged at the corners of the speaker and threaded into the vertical planel 5L The vertical panel 51 supports the station selector 33 on the forward :side of the panel position to be exposed and be concentric with the window opening 32, the selector member being carried by a centrally located shaft 62 secured to the panel 5! and passing through a bearing bore 63 in a bearing 64 carried by the station selector 33.

The station selector 33 comprises a circular member of insulating material, such as a suitable plastic provided at its center with the bearing member 64 for its rotatable support and of a size slightly larger than the window opening 32.

The station selector member should be of substantial thickness so as to give extended engagement and support to the shanks of the switch actuating pins 65 which pass through apertures =66 in thestation selector 33 and are fixedly supported by said selector.

The station selector is provided at its center with a Wheel formation comprising the hub --,6 1 and a plurality of radially extending spokes 68 integrally secured to a rim 69. The spokes are separated by open spaces 10, which are covered with asuitable. cloth or screen 1 I for transmission of the sound from the speaker and for concealing the mechanism 'cf the speaker.

The vertical panel 51 of the bracket "58 :also has similar spokes 68 and apertur-es'lll for ;passage of the sound from the speaker through the verticalgpanel 5 I. vided with a multiplicity of the apertures .65, these apertures being :located on radial lines and on circles which have for their center the eenter of the'shaft 6'2.

The periphery of the station selector member '33 is divided up into twenty-four equal spaces, indicating the twenty-four hoursof the day; and these peripheral spaces are provided with .nuimerica'l indicia from one to twelve for the day and night hours. Each hour space further divided into three additional one-quarter :hour positions which are indicated by 15, 30, and 45; and the radial series of holes are in alignment with the 'indicia so as to indicate the hourly position, the quarter hour :position, the half hour position, and the three-quarter hourposition.

Thus there is a series of radially located .holes in the station selector foreach hour'and for each quarter 'hour between the "hours. 1

The number of circles of apertures in the sta tion selector depends on the :number ioi stations sought "to be controlled. 'In the present example there are six stations, which ,:may :be sixof the principal-stations for which the receiver is tobe used. There are, however, .fseven apertures, the seventh :and innermost one :being a neutral posiiIhe station selector 33 pro- I 'tion in which a supported ;,pin will strike .no

switches whatever.

Thus the innermost row of apertures "Supports. the pins in Fig. 1 and bears the indicia Neutral between the heads of the pins. The pins 65 are preferably made of some suitable metal, such as steel; and they are provided with a cylindrical shank T2 and a tapered or frustoconical end T13. The shank F12 carries a cylindric-al knurled enlargement or head 14 with an annular shoulder 15 that engages the front of the station selector '33.

Intermediate its ends the pin shank 12 has a reduced cylindrical portion '16 which may carry a split sleeve spring '11. This spring may be made of suitable spring steel, and it comprises a cylindrical sleeve which is split at 18 from end to end.

In addition, there are a multiplicity of longitudinally extending short slots 19 which terminate short of the ends; and the central portions 80 between the slots 19 are caused to bulge outward by an upsetting operation, such as the application of force to the ends of the spring, which compresses the spring longitudinally and bulges the spring portions outward. Such .a spring 11 may be opened Iar enough at the slot 18 to be sprung on the reduced portion 16 of the shank, where it will close into the position :of Fig. -12.

VVhen-so constructed, the spring 11 projects at its bulges 80 far enough to engage frictionally the inside of each bore .66.

The shank 12 has a close sliding -fit in the bore 56 and engages the bore -66 adjacent its ends. Thus any .pin is virictionally held in the bore by the springs 71,; but it also .has .firm engagement by the shank 212 and the pins 65 are supported :firmly so that they can actuate the control switches.

Each control switch preferably has an insulating block 11" .on/rts lower side, and the block 11 is beveled forwardly at T8 and at E9. The for ward bevel 18 is-engaged by the tapered or conical end portion 13 of a ;pin 65. Thus a pin may the inserted at any time to engage the bevel 18' of a switchto actuate the switch from the front end of the switch arm.

The :pins -65 may thus act as push-pull actuating membera a push closing a switch and a pull or removal of the pin opening the switch.

The cylindrical sshan-ks T2 of :the .pins -55 also .serve to engage the (beveled portions :19 of the insulating blocks :1 l :so thatthe pins may actuate and cam the switch arms upward by engagement with the beveled portions {19' when the pins move in .a peripheral direction due to the rotation of the station selector :33.

.Then the pins :move until they pass ofi the :bevel 1'19 and :are located under the hat bottom portions rim of the insulating blocksso that the pins which :are :so 'Lengaged hold the :switches in "closed aposition. Each insulating :block il has :its caminingieritension :6! with the beveled surfaces i8 and 19 located forwardly of an eloni'gated. 2bodyi82 which :is "fixedly secured to three I'leaf cspringsfia'i, 34., 1-85 .Thus :as'ingle vpin may ac- 'tuate threeiseparatelyiinsulated switchesito make or ibrea-k the circuit lfrom the source of energy rand thezcircuit forthetaudio sta'e'e,:as well as the circuit for the radio frequency stage.

:E'achswitch .unitzthuszmcludes six springmem- Sears bearing con'tactsattheir ends; and theother :spring members, which are located above the contact springs L83 to $85, :may :all be indicated by theinumeral :86 (Fig. :8

'zsin'ce there are :six :stations iti) be controlled, there will rhea-six :the three :spring :assemblies shown in Fig. 9, each opposed by three of the springs 86 located immediately above and in position so that the contacts will come into engagement with each other.

Such an assembly of spring switches'may be supported upon a pair of sheet metal brackets 81, 88, which are carried by the panel I, and which in turn carry a pair of screw bolts 89 and 90. Each screw bolt has an insulating sleeve 9| to insulate it from the springs 83-86; and each spring is separated from the spring above it and from the brackets 87, 88 by an apertured insulating block 92.

Thus all of the springs may be insulated from each other and clamped together by the same bolts 89, 90 provided with nuts 93. The spring assembly 59 may be located anywhere adjacent the periphery of the station selector 33, but is preferably located at the top so that the operator may understand that when the pins reach the top position they are in the switch actuating position.

The panel 5| also supports the clock 51, which may be secured to the panel by means of suitable brackets 94. The clock 51 preferably has a plurality of concentric shafts. The innermost shaft 95 suports the sweep second hand 90. The next tubular concentric shaft 91 supports the minute hand 98 (Fig. 3). The next concentric shaft 9 supports the hour hand I00.

The brackets 94 support a plate IBI, which carries a trunnion member 02 surrounding the clock shafts, and the trunnion member I02 rotatably supports a sleeve I03. Sleeve I03 may carry a suitable pulley I04, and at its inner end it carries the double dial pointer I05.

The pulley I04 is connected by means of suitable belts IGE, with a shaft 101 supporting the knob 4| for dial movement. The shaft I04 is connected to the tuning dial shaft I08 by means of a suitable flexible coupling I09. Thus, when the radio receiver is tuned, the double dial pointer I05 will be rotated by means of the pulley I04, belt E06, shaft I01, to indicate the wave length to which it is tuned, there being suitable indicia upon the dial plate I I0.

All of the pointers are preferably enclosed by means of a suitable transparent cover member I I I, which has a cylindrical flange I I2 housed in an aperture I I3 in the panel 5|.

All of the knobs 39-42 are connected by means of shaft extensions and universal connections similar to I08 and I09 to the respective devices which they control, such as, for example, the volume control and the switch for on or off," manual or automatic control.

The clock unit 51 is preferably an electric synchronous clock; and it is provided with an outside drive shaft I I5 from the clock mechanism through gear I I5; and this shaft is provided with suitable gearing connections H1, H8 to a cam shaft I I9, whereby the cam shaft is rotated once in each hour.

The cam shaft H9 bears at its end a cam I20 comprising a wheel, the periphery of which is provided with four camming surfaces I2I of gradually increasing radius and with a drop at I22, the shoulders I 22 being ninety degrees apart on the cam.

The cam I20 is adapted to actuate and control a switch unit I23 provided with a pair of resilient switch arms I24, I25 and with a pair of contacts I26, I21. The resilient switch arms I24, I25 are provided with cam followers I28 and I29, which may comprise metal angle members or integral downwardly extending flanges.

The flange I28 is shorter than the flange I29; and assuming the cam to be rotating counterclockwise, the fiange I28 is located farther to the left in Fig. 5 than the flange I29. The length of the flanges in a radial direction with respect to the cam I20 is such that when they are both riding on a camming surface, the contacts I26, I21 are open, as shown in Fig. 7. As the cam rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 5, it will be seen that the contacts are open.

The flange I29 first reaches the drop I22, as shown in Fig. 6, and permits the spring I25 to move downward to the position of Fig. 6, closing the contacts. At this time the flange I28 is still on the dwell I2I above the drop I22. A moment later, however, the flange I28 passes off the drop I22, and both flanges I28, I29 again ride upon the dwell I2I at the same elevation, opening the contacts I26, 2II.

Thus the cam I29 and switch unit I23 are adapted to close the contacts I21, I26 only momentarily; and this circuit closure is effected once every quarter hour, on the hour, and at the end of every fifteen minute period.

The station selector member 33 is preferably actuated step by step by an electrical mechanism which is controlled by the switch unit. Such a step-by-step mechanism is shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15. In this case the station selector member 33 is provided with a multiplicity of axially projecting pins I30, which are located adjacent its periphery and which project rearwardly, assuming that the magnetic unit I3! is located on the rear side of the station selector member 33.

The magnetic unit I31 comprises an energizing coil I32 mounted upon a magnetic core unit I33. The core unit is provided with a pair of U-shaped members of magnetic metal I34, I35, these members having their legs oppositely disposed toward a central nonmagnetic tube I36 for receiving the movable armature core I31.

The movable armature core is drawn into the coil I32 when the coil is energized momentarily by means of switch unit I23. This core may be constructed of a plurality of laminations; and the outermost laminations I38, I39 may be extended beyond the body of the core, forming pivot flanges for receiving the pivot bolt I40.

The pivot bolt I40 engages in a slot MI in a ratchet arm I42. The ratchet arm I42 is of substantially U shape, being provided with a laterally extending yoke I43 and with another parallel leg I44, which is pivotally mounted upon a shaft or bolt I 45. The bolt I45 supports a combined ratchet wheel and cam wheel I48. This ratchet wheel I46 is provided with the ratchet shoulders I41, whereby the cam I48 may be actuated. A holding pawl I 48 (Fig. 14) is pivotally mounted at I29 and spring pressed toward the ratchet wheel I46 to hold it against reverse movement by engagement with one of the shoulders I50 (Fig. 14).

Another pawl I5I is carried by a radially projecting plate I52 which is actuated by the U- shaped member I42, and. the other end attached to a bracket I54.

Each time the solenoid core I 31 is drawn inward, the pawl I5I engages shoulders I50 on the ratchet wheel and moves the combined ratchet wheel and cam I46 one step in a rctative direction clockwise in Fig. 14. Each time the solenoid coil I32 is deenergized the spring I53 drives the core I31 outward; that is, downward in Figs. 13

and 14; and the driving pawl I5I steps backward to take a new bite against a new shoulder I50.

tion.

The cam I46 has a peripheral flange I55, which is provided with a plurality of slots I56 extending diagonally at forty-five degrees to the axis of the bolt I45. The slots I55 are wide enough to pass the pins I30.

One of the walls of the slots I56 is provided with an axially and diagonally extending extension flange I51. The length of the flange I51 is such that when one of the pins I30 enters the slot I56 the tip I53 of the flange I5? has already passed over the next pin I35.

As the cam I46 rotates downward in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15, the pin I80, which is at its left in Fig. 15, passes upward into the slot I56. The camming surface I59 then came the pin I35 toward the right in Fig. until it passes out of the top of the slot I Thereupon the cam wheel M5 continues to rotate until the fiat sides I 65 and [BI are located between two pins I30, I30.

Thus it will be seen that the cam wheel I55 is adapted to be located between the pins I35," when it is in the position of Fig. 15. In this position the cam wheel I46 positively holds the station selector in a position which corresponds with the closure of a certain series of switches of the switch unit 59 (Fig, 8)

At this time one of the pins 65 is engaging one of the insulating blocks 11 and actuating three of the switches, as shown in Fig. 9. Each time the cam wheel I56 is actuated a step in a rotative direction, the station selector 33 is moved rotatively one step from one of the pins I35 to the next pin I30.

The solenoid core I51 has a pin I' II'I engaging in a slot MI in a bellcrank lever I55. The bellcrank lever is pivoted on the shaft I63 and has its I55 spring pressed toward the other arm I51 provided with a driving pawl I58 for urging the ratchet wheel IE4. Springs I59 and Ill) urge the pawls I and I58 into engagement with the ratchet wheels.

The shaft I53 also carries a gear Ill, and the gear Ill actuates a pinion I'I2 carried by vertical panel 5I. The pinion IE2 is mounted on the shaft I13, which also carries the Geneva movement member I Id (Fig. 17). Such a Geneva 'movement member has a single tooth I15 with tooth spaces I16, I'll on each side of the tooth I15.

The rest of the periphery of the Geneva driving member I14 is circular or cylindrical, as indicated at I'IS'. The Geneva driving member I14 is located adjacent the periphery of a different form of station selector Cite. This station selector has its periphery formed with inwardly curved cylindrical portions I'll) spaced by slots I38.

When it makes a revolution, the tooth I15 engages in a slot IEil and drives the station selector 33a one step. The continued rotation of the 7 Geneva driving member I14 brings it again to the position of Fig. 1'7, where its curved periphery I18 is locked in a concavely curved edge portion I19 of the station selector 33a.

Thus this step-by-step mechanism holds the station selector 33a in fixed position, with certain control switches of the unit 59 closed; and at the end of each fifteen minute period the station selector 33a is moved one step, to the next position.

Referring to Figs. 19 and 20, these views show another type of step-by-step actuating mechanism for actuating a station selector 33b. The station selector here differs from the others only in the fact that its periphery I has a regular circular contour provided with a plurality of regularly spaced rectangular slots I85.

The step-by-step mechanism, indicated in its entirety by the numeral I81, includes a solenoid coil I 88, magnetic core I39, and a plunger armature I95. The plunger armature is pivotally connected by bolt IQI to the laterally projecting arm III! of a slider I93.

The slider I93 is urged upward by spring I94, which has one end attached to the slider at I and the other attached to the frame or guide at I96. At its upper end the slider I93 carries a spring pressed driving pawl I91, which is pivotally mounted on the slider at I98 and provided with a spring I98! that urges the point of the pawl I91 against the cylindrical periphery of the selector member 331), or into the slots I85..

Intermediate its ends the slider I93 has pivotally mounted upon it, by means of the bolt 200, a pawl release 2M This pawl release has a laterally projecting arm 252'with a beveled cammi'ng portion 253 for engaging and actuating a holding pawl 2M.

A spring 205 urges the pawl release member 20I into the position shown in Fig. 19, with its stop extension 295 engaging the stop surface 251. The holding pawl 254 is mounted upon the supporting panel by means of a bolt 298. This holding pawl 254 has a laterally turned end 209, which engages in the slots I86 and holds the station selector 33b fixedly in any ofits positions, to which it is moved step by step.

A spring 2W urges the end 209 of the pawl 2M toward the slots I86. At its other end, beyond the pivot 258,'the holding pawl 204 has a diagonally extending actuating portion 2| I. This diagonal portion 2II is in the path of the beveled surface 253 on the laterally projecting arm 202 of the holding pawl release member EN.

The operation of this step-by-step mechanism is as follows: When the circuit is momentarily closed through the solenoid coil I88, plunger ISO is pulled downward, pulling with it the slider I93.

At this time the holding pawl 294 is holding the station selector 33b in a predetermined position, as shown in Fig. 19, by means of the bent end 209, being in a slot I86.

The driving pawl I91 is riding on a cylindrical periphery I85 of the station selector 33b. The relation of the parts is such that arm 252 engages the diagonal end ZI I of the holding pawl 2G4 first,

- causing the holding pawl 264 to pivot clockwise and to remove the holding end 2M from the slot I86.

While it is so held, the driving pawl I91 has progressed far enough to drop into a slot I86; and further downward movement of the slider I 93 causes the driving pawl to move the station selector 3% clockwise in Fig. 19. While this movement is taking place, the end 239 is in position to ride on a cylindrical portion I85 of the station selector 33b.

Next in the cycle of events, the beveled end 203 of arm 292 snaps over and ofi the diagonal end 2i I of the holding pawl 204. The holding pawl is urged back toward the periphery of the station selector 33b; but it cannot snap into the next slot until the driving pawl I 91 has moved the station selector 331) one full step forward in a clockwise direction.

When the pawl has moved the station selector a full step, the end 209 of the holding pawl 204 snaps into the next slot, above the one in which it is seen in Fig. 19, and terminates the stroke of the plunger armature I90 and slider I93.

The actuation of the plunger being momentary, since the coil I88 is de-energized, the spring I94 again raises the slider I93 and plunger I90 to the position of Fig. 19. During this movement the driving pawl I91 moves out of the groove which it has been using to actuate the station selector, and the holding pawl release member 20I is pivoted counterclockwise by its engagement with the end 2 against the spring 295 until it snaps again into position above the end 2| I, as shown in Fig. 19.

The mechanism is then again readyfor the next actuation or step-by-step movement, and the station selector has been moved one definite step, equivalent to fifteen minutes; but it is held definitely in this position, to actuate certain switches throughout the period of fifteen minutes.

Referring now to Fig. 4, this is a wiring diagram for the electrical circuits. 2 I indicates the plug,

which may be connected to 110 volt, 60 cycle alternating current supply.

2I6 indicates the clock motor, which will be continuously energized. The trimmer condensers 2 I! are arranged in groups 2I8, 2 I9, 220. There are six trimmer condensers in each group to correspond to the six stations.

The rotatable condensers are indicated at 22I, 222, 223; and there is one of these shown for each stage. The double throw switches 224, 225, 226 may be simultaneously actuated, as indicated by the dot-dash line actuating member 221, to open the circuit or to connect it with the ordinary manually adjustable condensers 22I-223, or to connect the circuit in all three stages with th trimmer condenser groups 2I8220.

When the knob 39 is turned, it actuates all of the switches 224-226, and may connect them for manual tuning, automatic tuning, or disconnect them, as indicated in the oil position of Fig. 1.

The dial knob 4i actuates all of the adjustable condensers 22I-223 simultaneously by means of connecting mechanism 228, indicated in dotdash lines; and is used for manual tuning.

The volume control knob 40 is used for adjusting the volume, and is connected to the ordinary volume control devices, such as a rheostat, in the radio receiver.

The clock knob 42 is connected through suitable bolts and driving mechanism to the hands of the clock so that it may be used to adjust and set the clock hands to proper time. The additional switch 229, which controls the whole circuit is adapted to effect a complete de-energization of the receiver or to switch it to a closed circuit for manual or automatic tuning.

The operation of the present device is as follows: The station selector is provided with one of the pins, illustrated in Figs. 8-12 for each fifteen minute period. When it is not desired to use the receiver for any fifteen minute period, the corresponding pins are located in the holes in the innermost circle, where the letters Neutral appear between the holes.

In this position the pins clear all switches, and have no effect.

Whenever the user wishes to select a station by means of the station selector 33 for any particular period of time, he inserts the pin in the hole of a radial series of six holes, which hole corresponds to the station in question. Six selections are permitted.

Thus pins may be inserted for the first station at, for example, one o'clock, by placing a pin on a radial line, with one in the first circle holes. In a corresponding manner other pins may be placed to select stations for any period of time throughout the night or day.

When manual tuning is desired, the knob 39 may be turned to the manual position. If automatic tuning is desired, it should be turned to the automatic position. As the station selector rotates step by step, it is the uppermost series of holes which are in registry with the switch units 59.

Thus these holes may be used by inserting pins for push button selection. A pin which is inserted in one of these uppermost holes cams against the end beveled surface 18 and actuates a series'of three switches simultaneously to select that station.

Assuming that the operator wishes to preselect the stations and has done so by inserting pins in suitable holes for suitable times; when the device is energized, the clock operates continuously and indicates the time on its dial. The same dial would also indicate manual tuning.

Assuming that the switch is turned for automatic tuning, then the circuits are so energized that as the cam I28 is rotated by the clock, the solenoid of the step-by-step mechanism is energized at the end of every fifteen minutes. When the solenoid is energized, it steps the station selector around clockwise one step and brings the pin, which is then uppermost, into engagement with the beveled side surface 19 of the corresponding switch unit, closing the switches in the manner shown with regard to the third switch from the top in Fig. 8.

; This connects predetermined trimmer condensers in all three stages; and the trimmer condensers are so adjusted as to their capacity that they effect a tuning of these three stages for the particular station in question. Thus the selector has connected proper switches in circuit to select and tune the receiver for the station selected.

The present mechanism holds the station selector positively in this position throughout the fifteen minute period. At the end of each fifteen minute period the station selector is again stepped around one step, and the same or a new station is selected and tuned automatically.

It will thus be observed that we have invented an improved mechanism for automatically selecting and tuning pro-selected stations. The present mechanism is an improvement over our prior application, Ser. No. 662,670, filed April 1'7, 1946', for Automatic Station Selecting and Tuning Devices for Radio Receivers; and the mechanism shown in this application relates to the commercial embodiment of the invention.

This commercial embodiment has been particularly developed for the purpose of reducing the cost of construction and for assuring positive and certain actuation and tuning at a mini- 13 mum cost. The mounting of all of the mechanism upon a base 54 with an. upright. panel permits all of the parts to be suitably adjusted and assembled, and then inserted in the'housing with a minimum amount of labor.

While we have illustrated a preferred embodiment of our invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and we do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of all changes within the scope of the appended claims,

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio station and for each stage of the receiver, each condenser being connected in circuit with one of the receiver stages and with a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all or the switches controlling the trimmer condenser for the various stages for each station, said actuating member being laterally beveled to provide a camming surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said annular selector member iorrotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a ring of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headedfpegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating members at their lateral camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the am nular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an are equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector memher, and means for positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either" direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, the said support comprising a metal member having a vertical flange supporting the trimmer condensers, switches, speaker, and station selector, and having a Wide stable horizontal flange supporting the radio receiver so that the mechanism may be mounted upon said support for insertion into a housing as a unit.

2. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a. support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio station and for each stage of the receiver, each condenser being connected in circuitwith one of the receiver stages and with. a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all of the switches con trolling the trimmer condenser for the various stages for each station, said actuating member being laterally beveled to provide a camming surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatablv supporting said annular selector member-for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector memher having. a ring of holes through it for each station. and a hole in each-ring for-eachquarter hour oi the day, a plurality oi headed pegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said. annular selector member in position to engage predetermined. common switch actuating members at their lateral. camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each pe actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end oi each quarter hour through an arcv equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and means for positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, the said station selector comprising a thick insulating member having a. central hub and bearing for its rotatable support, said pegs having a cylindrical portion to engage. in said holes adjacent each hole end, and having a reduced portion carrying a radially bulging frictionspring inside said. holes.

3. A station selector and tuner for a radio recei-ver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio: station and for each stage of. the receiver, each condenser being connected in circuit with one of. the receiver stages and with a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all of the switches controlling the trimmer condenser for the'various stages for each station, saidactuating member being laterally beveled to provide a cam-mi-ng surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said, annular selector member for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a ring of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headed pegs mounted in said holes and projectingbackwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating. members at their lateral camm-ing surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an are equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and meansfor positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, the said switches comprising stacks of insulated resilient spring arms provided with contacts, a plurality of the said stacks being arranged side by side, and predetermined actuated spring arms for each switch being extended beyond the other arms, and the said actuated arms for each station, being joined together by said actuating member.

4.. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio amuse l erally beveled to provide a cammin surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said annular selector member for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a rin of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headed pegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating members at their lateral camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an are equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and means for positively holding the annular selector memher from moving in either direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, the said switches comprising stacks of insulated resilient spring arms provided with contacts, a plurality of the said stacks being arranged side by side, and predetermined actuated spring arms for each switch being extended beyond the other arms, and the said actuated arms for each station being joined together by said actuating member, said actuating member comprising an insulating bar having a forward extension carrying said camming surfaces.

5. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio station and for each stage of the receiver, each condenser being connected in circuit with one of the receiver stages and with a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all of the switch controlling the trimmer condenser for the various stages for each station, said actuating member being laterally beveled to provide a camming surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said annular selector member for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a ring of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headed pegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating members at their lateral camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an are equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and means for positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, said selector having rearwardly extending pins and said latter two means comprising a rotatable wheel with grooves and camming surfaces to rotate the selector by driving said pins.

6. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio station'and for each stage of the receiver, each condenser being connected in circuit with one of the receiver stages and with a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all of the switches controlling the trimmer condenser for the various stages for each station, said actuating member being laterally beveled to provide a camming surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering With an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said annular selector member for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a ring of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headed pegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating members at their lateral camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuatin a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an arc equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and means for positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either direction during the periods of time between its step by step movements, said selector having rearwardly extending pins and said latter two means comprising a rotatable wheel with grooves and camming surfaces to rotate the selector by driving said pins, the said wheel stopping between the pins, and being of substantially the same thickness as the-space between the pins, to hold the selector positively in its successive positions.

7. A station selector and tuner for a radio receiver, comprising a support, a multi-stage radio receiver carried by said support, a fixed trimmer condenser for each radio station and for each stage of the receiver, each condenser bein con nected in circuit with one of the receiver stages and with a station switch, a common actuating member for actuating all of the switches controlling the trimmer condenser for the various stages for each station, said actuating member being laterally beveled to provide a camming surface, said receiver including a speaker carried by said support, and said speaker registering with an opening in an annular station selector member, means carried by said support for rotatably supporting said annular selector member for rotation about a horizontal axis, said selector member having a ring of holes through it for each station and a hole in each ring for each quarter hour of the day, a plurality of headed pegs mounted in said holes and projecting backwardly from said annular selector member in position to engage predetermined common switch actuating members at their lateral camming surfaces as the annular selector member rotates, each peg actuating a predetermined common actuating member at the beginning of a predetermined quarter hour period, means for rotating the annular selector member step by step at the end of each quarter hour through an are equivalent to one quarter hour on the annular selector member, and means for positively holding the annular selector member from moving in either direction through the periods of time between its step by step movements, said selector having rearwardly extending pins, and said latter two means comprising a rotatable netically actuated pawl and ratchet for rotating said wheel step by step.

JOHN LOLLI. GENE PAPITTO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number 18 3 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Allen June 29, 1937 Clayson Feb. 7, 1939 Fritz Oct. 10, 1939 Davenport Mar. 11, 1941 Wagner Oct. 26, 1943 Owens Dec. 28, 1943 

